Status quo and future directions of digitalization in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany: a survey of the commission Digital Medicine of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Pfob A, Hillen C, Seitz K, Griewing S, Becker S, Bayer C, Wagner U, Fasching P, Wallwiener M (2024)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Springer

Book Volume: 309

Pages Range: 195-204

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07222-2

Abstract

Purpose: Digitalization plays a critical role and is beginning to impact every part of the patient journey, from drug discovery and data collection to treatment and patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the status quo and future directions of digital medicine in the specialty of gynecology and obstetrics in Germany. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed via the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics newsletter in December 2022. The questionnaire covered the domains baseline demographic information, telemedicine, digital health applications (DIGAs), and future expectations. Results: In all, 91 participants completed the survey. Median age was 34 years; 67.4% (60 of 89) were female and 32.6% (29 of 89) were male. About 10% (9 of 88) have prescribed DIGAs to date and 14% (12 of 86) offer telemedical appointments. Among those who do not use digital medicine, very few plan to do so in the near future. Reasons include missing software interfaces, lack of time to try out new things, lack of knowledge, lack of monetary compensation (66.3%), and employee concerns. A majority agreed that digitalization will help to save time and improve patient care and that intelligent algorithms will aid clinicians in providing patient care to women. Conclusions: The status quo and future directions of digital medicine in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany are characterized by contradicting expectations regarding the benefits of digital medicine and its actual implementation in clinical routine. This represents an important call to action to meet the requirements of modern patient care.

Authors with CRIS profile

Katharina Seitz Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Peter Fasching Professur für Translationale Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe

Involved external institutions

WMC HEALTHCARE GmbH DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg (UKGM) DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt am Main (KGU) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Pfob, A., Hillen, C., Seitz, K., Griewing, S., Becker, S., Bayer, C.,... Wallwiener, M. (2024). Status quo and future directions of digitalization in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany: a survey of the commission Digital Medicine of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 309(1), 195-204. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07222-2

MLA:

Pfob, André, et al. "Status quo and future directions of digitalization in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany: a survey of the commission Digital Medicine of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics." Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 309.1 (2024): 195-204.

BibTeX: Download